2 years later, here's what I think of the Vauxhall Astra (Full review)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 เม.ย. 2021
- The Astra K is sharp looking and sharp steering, but what do I think of the car, warts and all?
Arriving at the 2 year mark of ownership from new of this 2019 Vauxhall/Opel Astra, I wanted to get on record what I think of the car.
A full long term review of the Mk7 Astra in 1.6T (Petrol) Elite Nav specification, from driving experience, performance, handling, economy, comfort, refinement, styling and more.
Sold by Vauxhall in the UK, Opel in Europe, Holden in Australia and Buick in the US and China.
Spec: 1.6 Turbo Elite Nav 200
Covers 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 Astras.
#vauxhallastra #opelastra #astra #astrak
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We have got this exact colour and specification.
Ours is the 1.4 Turbo which still feels rapid, great acceleration with good torque.
The interior is amazing... lovely heated leather seats, dual zone climate control, 4 one touch windows.
My two daughters love putting the heated rear seats on.
Auto lights, auto wipers, cruise, it has an amazing equipment level.
But best of all it feels and looks very well put together... the exterior colour is stunning and contrasts very well with the black leather.
Loads of thoughtful touches too....
A very happy owner!
It's quite a light car - a lot lighter than the previous Astra, so the 1.4T with 150bhp will still feel nice and quick I can only imagine :) Glad you like the car!
@@JJonCars Yes, even with the 1.4 you have to watch your licence !
First time watching one of your reviews . Brilliant review and hardly any waffle . 👌👌👌
Cheers Scott, glad to hear it! :)
Absolute brilliant review. Answered all my queries. Many thanks
Cheers Bob! :)
Good review, one of the best I've seen in terms of everyday what-I-need-to-know. Thanks.
Thank you, glad it was helpful 👍
Not having keyless go is a plus point with how many keyless go cars that are being stolen.
Very true 👍
If you're going to steal a car a potentially do prison time then said car is not going to be an astra!
@@pictlandpickers1171 a neighbour had his Astra stolen and I’ve had a focus stolen, both keyless start. If anyone thinks thieves go for upmarket cars then they aren’t living in the real world. Most are stolen to commit robberies or drug runs in so the more inconspicuous the better.
@@pete0121588 I suppose a free cars a free car, but I'm talking from a higher realm. Btw sounds like you live in a scummy area.
@@pictlandpickers1171There’s never any crime when not living in the real world, you must be so lucky or oblivious to your surroundings.
I‘m also driving the 1.6 Astra K with 200hp, i turned 18 half a year ago and it’s my first car. Drove it 7.8k kilometres now and never had any problems with it. The fuel consumption outclasses most of my friends even tho they drive cars with half the power of mine. It’s really efficient and just a fun car in general.
Good video, greetings from Germany !
What a brilliant first car! Is the insurance expensive?
@@JJonCars it’s is registered as a business car on my moms name to cut the cost drastically. I think I pay around 1.400€ a year for an allround insurance pack. It would be around 2.800€+ if I did it solely on my name due to the horsepower and other aspects.
Btw. I can’t complain about the carseats. I got the AGR seat pack in that car and they are one of the most comfortable car seats I have ever sat in. You have to sacrifice the leather optic for some fibre seats but if they’d make these as normal office chairs, he’ll id buy one instantly!
Great review I bought in Feb a 68 plate 1.6t astra, I agree having driven the 1.4t then the 1.6t it made sense to buy the 1.6. And what a brilliant piece of kit, people can't believe how fast it is....a real sleeper. Thanks again for a great review.
Thanks man! :) Good to hear from another 1.6t owner!
Please warn everyone you can, the PCV valve will fail and cost you a fortune. It can’t be serviced.
Great video and a fantastic car. I bought a new 1.4T Auto last year - sold as a
Holden in Australia. Incredible value for 9,800 gbp on road. So much fun to drive, simple and functional. Eats up the kms and fantastic for car camping as well. Thanks for the Astra content.
Thanks! Nice to hear from a Holden owner! Glad you like the car - they really are good value for money :)
@@JJonCars I have returned to this video after putting another 10k or-so miles on my 1.4T. Your observations of the car remain very true. I have since fitted a roof rack and basket to mine, using the car to camp and tour long distance across Australia. It is superbly comfortable and really fun to drive, still! I have taken it many a time on dirt roads in the outback and it makes me feel a bit like Ken Block. It demonstrates incredible handling and traction despite the very harsh conditions. I am tempted to make a video similar to yours as a 'love letter' to the Astra, as they can no longer be found in Australia. Best wishes.
@@TrueHistoryAustralia fantastic. Always good to know I'm not talking absolute rubbish :) Go for it man, I'd watch it!
@@TrueHistoryAustralia one day I will have to that tour across Aus too :)
Excellent video. I've the same model on a 68 plate and have covered 17k miles as well. My experiences mirror yours exactly, especially comfort level on longer journeys due to the firm leather seats, and stiff suspension. When purchased from the local Vauxhall Dealership I was told that the Elite Nav was quite a rarity, and on my travels I've only seen one other, a black one, identified by the twin pipes when he overtook and drove along ahead of me. With a light right foot I can easily achieve 42mpg on a tank, recorded on trip meter A, but overall consumption is around 37 to 38mpg on trip meter B. Unfortunately at my age, 66 and retired, it's brought out a bit of the, "boy racer" of my youth, in me, and I have to watch the speedo when overtaking on decent A roads as excessive speed is reached rather rapidly, without even needing to drop a gear. All in all the best Astra ever produced imo, and I've had a few since the 80's lol.
Cheers Eric, good to hear someone agreeing about the seats! Yeah, they are definitely rare with the 1.6 engine, hardly seen any others. That's the thing, you've got be careful with that power :)
Just paid the advanced payment for 2016 1.6 Diesel. Thanks for the valuable review... really love your videos...
Thank you, glad to help!
I miss my 2018 Astra Elite Premium 1.4T. What an amazing car that was. Efficient, decent punch for a 1.4 Turbo and the handling was great.
Great video, you've actually got me interested in one of these for my e46 replacement!
Thanks Blondie! Maybe it's time for an upgrade. Though I do like an E46 I must say.
Used to have an E46 and I loved it to pieces, but it was getting old. Replaced with the Astra 3.5 years ago and do not regret it!
I've just bought a 2017 1.4T 16V 150 SRI VX-LINE after watching this video and seeing your comment about steering clear of the non turbo engines 👍🏻
Good man, 150 is plenty of power in a light car like the Astra. Enjoy!
I have had the 1.4 2016 model for about a year now, love it
Nice one 👍
Very nice review! You voice is making me calm.
Thanks :)
I personally love the K (looks, specifications, etc). I'm considering the 1.0T model, as I spend most of my driving time at low speed / city speeds. I'm currently driving the J 1.4T - which, honestly I've enjoyed a lot, but the K seems to be that much more refined, so for me would be a great upgrade. Thanks for the 2 year owner review.
The best thing about the K over the J, is that it is lighter! It makes such a difference to performance, handling and economy :) Thanks for watching!
Did you get the 1.0L in the end? I recently sold mine and I somehow found myself on this video missing it. I like yourself had a 1.4 J Sri before hand so was sceptical if the 1.0L would feel sluggish. It from the first drive blew me away with the refinement and how the boost really does allow it to complete if not outperform some of its larger engine counterparts, nippy little thing when it wants, took me a while as the gear ratios were quite different as the 3 cylinder really doesn’t favour the lower end of the Rev range. The performance and the digital screen compared to the old analogue looking thing in the J really set the K apart for me.
Got rid at 91k, and she was going strong. Wasn’t the prettiest at that point but overall it’s a car that I can say will be missed. Style performance mpg and function all in a Rishi approved ULEZ free package.
@superqunt5191 hi again! No, I didn't make the change due to financial constraints, but do still love my J, even though it's getting older, but still feels good on the road. It's payed off now too, so the monthly fee is going into a slush fund for the K (or perhaps the new Mokka!! 🤔) ... Thanks for the response.
@JJonCars Yes, I did feel the lightness during my test drive (stepping out of an Astra J GTC at the time, however) but I kind of felt that the newer vehicle I test drove (the K Sport Auto) might not be as planted as the J, and (I felt) that the GTC was more convincing off the line (ie: accelerated faster). I'd LOVE to drive another K (more long term) to see what it feels like, but I'm sure it's worth it. Even the 1l 3-pot (Eco) model. I may Still pick up a high spec K (now that they're getting older / cheaper) but the J... still going strong. (My J is 2010 model. Date of post: June 2023).
I’ve got an elite 1.6t and I’ve had the chrome window trim covered in black gloss wrap . As the car is metallic black it now looks very stealthy . It goes really nice with the 18 diamond cut alloys with black inserts which is very rare . Love the car .
Nice, those wheels sound superb.
Just bought as Astra and picking up Thursday after watching this video and Carwow
Excellent, you should enjoy the car :)
If I have to be honest I did the same after watching those two videos...
I bought the J estate and very upset now gas guzzler
I bought a 65 reg j 1.6 diesel Astra last year with 42.000 miles I traded my 1.4 tdi polo after 13 years and 100.3000 miles I’m loving my Astra having the extra room is good also the engine is a lot smoother with the extra cylinder the mpg is about the same has the polo I like Diesel engines because of the torque also the is no road tax to pay on my car
Bought the Astra 1.4T Griffin. What a great car to drive. Interior is very plush too great car all round
I have the 2016 elite 1.6L cdti in bronze , it's absolutely astonishing. I love it.
Excellent, glad you like the car!
i have the exact same model in silver, it will be 3 years old this Sept very pleased with it.
Glad you like it!
Have a 2019 1.6 sport plus.. brilliant car.. and the seats are in massage sport version... thus have settings to cushion. Well made vehicle and awesome to drive... good video and simple thoughts make for a easy review..
Very nice, I saw in the manual that you could get massage seats, very fancy for a car like the Astra! Thanks :)
So... I've been looking at several videos about this Astra and found out that it's very reliable and that the 1.6 Turbo is driving really.... REALLY well, so I'll be looking at one next Saturday and after watching several videos (including yours), I think this is the perfect car for us / me.
Will definitely give you an update about what I found of it and if it has enough space to be a family car (1 child).
Thanks for this great review!
That's great. The 1.6 turbo is definitely the one to have if you have a bit of an interest in cars! Good luck in your hunt for the right one :)
I have the 1.4 turbo elite. Absolutely love it 👌
Those leather seats are the best ones I ever sat in. And I had many cars before.
Hello JJ, I am a small youtuber, qnd I found your channel while searching a car to buy. I am living here in Manchester, UK. I am planning to buy a car (Astra) my budget is 14k. Any advice? Much appreciated.
Hello fellow 'tuber :) I am in Derbyshire so not far from you. 14k is a really great budget for an Astra. I would recommend a 1.4T petrol Astra, 2019 model, and if you can, go for a high specification like SRi or Elite. The mileage will be low, 10,000 or 15,000 maybe and should have at least one service in the history book but ideally 2. And then I think you will have a very nice car! Let me know how you get on or if you have any more questions.
@@JJonCars Wow. Thank you. I did not expect your reply to be honest. Hihi. Thank you for your help.
Just bought the 1.5 turbo diesel. Drove it from Newcastle to Edinburgh. And No problem whatever putting my foot down and overtaking. Seats seem ok to me. Overall very happy. Considering I've had Honda Civics for the last twenty years. Yes very Happy. Nice looking car as well
Qualtiy honest review. Thanks keep it up
Thank you!
Nice review, just found your videos a refreshing change from the usual reviews that they always compare the cars to a VW Golf. Underrated car the Astra the 1.6 seems quick, the one I'd go for.
The 1.6 is highly recommended, at least for anyone of the petrolhead persuasion. Thanks! :)
I have bought a 2019 1.6 Turbo Elite nav with 8,000 on the clock and it is brill and it can shift. Runs like a dream on shell v-power
I bought my Astra K 2 weeks ago (2019 1.2 130) and I have fallen in love :)
I got a 1.4turbo SRI around a week ago now and I've really liked it so far! Really fun car to drive.
Still driving my 2005 Astra 1.6L Club (bought 15 years ago as ex-demo with 1000m on clock, now 123000), with stalk cruise & dial climate control. No touch screen / USB / satnav (I use iPhone with Apple maps). Love it for all the reasons you give; still runs sweet as a nut. Only just thinking of changing because of age & growing maintenance or replacement costs (exhaust / tie rods). Started looking at other makes (Peugeot, Mazda, Hyundai) - but your review is making me think of looking for another Astra from 2018/19!
Oh nice one Linda, it sounds like a good survivor. I was speaking to someone with an '04 Astra the other day, 200k on the clock (although he's a mechanic so he's kept it going beyond it's reasonable life expectancy lol)
The new Astra is certainly worth considering!
I have the Elite Nav Diesel 1.6 TDi. 18” alloys. Winter pack, self park, reverse cam. Absolutely love it. I’ve been looking for a newer car and nothing can match the spec. Lovely car.
They are really good value for the spec you get!
Thank you for your 2-year ownership review! I own the 2017 model (bought new) which is very similar in many ways to the one you're driving in the video and I'm seriously considering buying the 2019 model because I'm not thrilled with the changes they made with the 2020 and 2021 models. As for the seats, they aren't bad, maybe a bit firm as you say, but I'm not used to plush, luxury car seats either. I *think* most sporty cars (and the Astra isn't exactly in this category!) have firm, less cushiony seats. But they say this 2016-2019 range Astra is quite good in every aspect. Thanks again!
Thanks Scott! Yes the 2017 and '19 will be very similar. I guess only worth upgrading if you've done a lot of miles and want something lower mileage, or you want to get a higher trim level/different engine, otherwise you may as well stick with the 2017 :)
It's particularly the leather seats that are firm, but plenty of people seem to get on with them ok, so could just be me 😄. Thanks for watching!
Got the same car love it
1.6 turbo
197 bhp
300 torque
Lovely car and fast
Another great video 👍🏻
Thanks! :)
Thanks for a very indepth review I've just bought this car
You're welcome. Enjoy the car :)
Just came across a couple of your videos while looking for reviews on the Astra. Looking through the comments and you've said a few times to avoid the non-turbo 1.4 , I'm picking up a 1.4 sri Astra next week after I'm out of isolation , it's a first car for me so insurance was a bit better than the 1.4t 150 (UK) . I love the look of the Astra and it has everything I want & need, for a first car I think it's really good. Cracking review 👍
Thanks Liam! The reality is when you're looking for first cars they are all usually quite slow, so at least with the Astra you've got something a bit bigger and more interesting than the usual Corsas or little Peugeots and whatnot. So yeah I'd say to someone whose insurance isn't expensive to avoid it, but for you it makes sense! A great first car.
great video ,has helped tremendously as thinking of buying one.
Thank you, glad to help! If you buy one, maybe come back here and let me know what you went for :)
Great review. Nice work
Thank you!
I watched this as I was waiting to get my 1.4 turbo elite and love it, leather interior, lovely to drive, I'm very impressed 😁, good videos thanks, also found the sharks you mentioned in one of your vids.
Nice one! 🦈
Good review. covered all the topics.
Thanks :)
Excellent summary, thanks
You're welcome, thanks for watching!
great video, ive got a 2015 1.6 cdti sri, i got it from the dealers it was the demo car so got it at reduced price with 2000 miles on it, ive had it 5 yrs now and im keeping it, just had a stage 1 remap on it and its a lot quicker and better on fuel, ive just driven from lockerbie to windermere 77 mile and used 1/8th of a tank, brilliant, its got 16000 miles on the clock now i dont really go far, i go to london sometimes in it to see family and i can get there on about 1/2 a tank, i had the astra j before 1.7 cdti and that was slower and used more fuel, but this one is much better all round, handling is spot on and like you say road noise was a thing so ive swapped for michelin tyres and there a lot better. the other reason im keeping it is 0 road tax,
Brilliant Tony, sounds pretty much perfect. Good to hear that the quieter tyres do make a difference!
Nice videos. I drive a 1.4 turbo petrol sri 2018 and if I press the sport button the car really performs, fast and responsive with all the power available with very little lag, not to mention the sports steering on the sri is very good and precise.
Thanks! The steering is almost my favourite thing about the Astra I think!
It's a hidden gem this car. I've just bought the 200 elite version and it shifts. Best spec car for the money 👍
Absolutely the best spec, but then I'm a bit bias :)
Vauxhall (Opel) had problems of loosing money and never wriing black figures. The Astra K is actually the last real GM Vauxhall they made after the PSA (Stellantis) takeover. It seems they did a great effort pushing out the best real Vauxhall in the end. Owners of other Vauxhall models with the 1.2 puretech motor from PSA Stellantis are crying in the corner over the cam belt issues....
I’ve got a 1.6 Turbo as well. This is the perfect review, compliments all the things I enjoy about it and also spot on with the few niggles. Only thing to add is that I get closer to 35 mpg, so it’s relatively thirsty. Also looking at its American/Chinese counterpart the Buick version, I definitely prefer some of the styling choices made for those markets and it would’ve been nice to have some of the trim options available for the Vauxhall version. All in all I couldn’t be happier with my Astra! Currently on 29000 miles
You probably enjoy the power a little more than I did :) I have a relatively light right foot I think. But I did seem to get 40mpg pretty much whatever I was doing.
I quite like the look of the Buick models too. Glad you like the car, and the review! 😄
@@JJonCarswow you should get cheaper insurance with that type of driving.
Maybe i need to get a full service and tune because i cant get near that in my 1.4
Maybe its because I'm a londoner 😂😂
Sadiq khan is killing us down here Lez Ulez Cycle lanes bus gates timed road closures Bus lanes no left turn no right turn no parking 20mph.
Also the soon to come pay per mile.
im lucky if i get 10 MPG some days.
Oops started to rant
GREAT DRIVING I SALUTE👊🏿😎👊🏿
I had one of these cars brand new loved it so much as so when I had to give it back I got another one
I just sold my 2017 Holden Astra RS-V (1.6T), I put 85,000km's (52,000 miles) on it. It was a great car, very spacious and surprisingly powerful. The only two things that went wrong was the Camshaft Seal and a coolant pipe leak, both were replaced under warranty. I replaced it with a Skoda Kamiq.
Nice to hear about a Holden version, cheers for watching!
Hi great review I’m buying a 1.0 SRI Nav from Eden Vauxhall car sales, 2016 57000 miles, for £7500 is a 2 owner car & a full years warranty, I need the 1.0 for where I live in London & for the fuel economy as I be doing quite a lot of long journeys, your review was really great 👍 cheers
They're great value for money. I don't think the 1.0 will be underpowered, it's a light car so should be fine :) Thanks!
Very interesting video I must say. I've got 2016 Elite Astra K (bought it almost two years ago here in Poland for approx. 8.000 pounds). I drive Sports Tourer version with 1.6CDTi 160PS, so bi-turbo. The feeling of driving is super nice. The car is dynamic and yet incredibly fuel effective (around 60-65 mpg on daily basis). Also, the infotainment system is still fresh after those 6 years. My car has got ventilated seats and it's really helpful here in Poland during hot summer days. Although, front headlight with matrix LEDs add the most value to the whole car. They might not be as advanced as matrix LED lights used in newer cars (new Astra L, Golf 8, Insignia, and I don't even mention Mercedes), but they still offer great visibility while driving at night. My car drove total 205k km (127k miles). I drove about 35k km of it (22k miles). And yes, the car has got some minor disadvantages: seats are hard indeed, there is lack of washer fluid indicator, the rear blinkers are just bulbs and not LEDs, same with internal lighting - just yellow bulbs. Even front fog lights are ugly yellow bulbs. I think I don't have to say how there look paired with so advanced and white headlights on the car... Moreover, mask holder is not pneumatic and there isn't any lighting on feet, even in Elite (top) version. For me those are just minor issues. More important things are to me are: safety, ergononomic and good looking interior and exterior, fuel efficiency, reliability and technologies which support the driver. I put in any of these 5 out of 5 mark and the little issues mentioned above make it 5- (5 with minus). I wouldn't switch to anything soon because summing up safety, technologies, looks and ergonomic with reliability win with any other similar car, especially in the price range. I definitely LOVE my car and I would definitely buy it again! Quick message to any of you who'd like to consider buying it: just try out the seats and judge for yourself. Other than than, you will be happy. Just pick the motor you want and avoid everything except maybe 1.4 petrol non-turbo 100PS. For me, 1.6CDTi 160PS is sweet spot. Also, cars with highest tier equipments (Elite) are usually worth your money. On top of that, Astra offered plenty of addons above Elite version and you usually won't overpay for couple of these like in premium cars. Those include AGR seats with massage and ventilation, LED Matrix headlights and few more. Cheers and I wish to you JJ and all your fans Happy New 2023 Year! Wish you all the best and thank you for the video :)
Czesc Hitman, thanks for your great comment. It's making me miss my Astra 1.6. They are really really great value cars, fun to drive and can be had with some excellent technology.
Happy New Year, thanks for watching!
We have just purchased 70reg car 1.2 turbo runs lovely n smooth we traded in a j model which we had, had 7yrs which had been no trouble over that time.
Nice review, it's a very good car and other decent reviewers (of which there are few) said the same thing. I really rate Vauxhall, a lot of bang for your buck. Looking forward to seeing you review an older insignia, like 2010 or even older. I like the shape of those.
thanks man. I'd really like to do the original Insignia. I've always thought its a really good looking car.
Nice, just bought my first car, a 2016 opel astra sports courer business+. With I kid you not 200k km's driven. Brought it to a garage that my father goes to the past 30 years and he checked the car from bottom to top and said the car is in top condition and he could see it was taken care of perfectly. Driving with it since a few days ago and its a smooth drive.
Nice first car :)
Great review I pick mine up weekend black one 👍👍
Cheers Dave, enjoy the car!
Well picked car up a WOW cannot believe how quick it is absolutely love it 👍
2018 1.6T Petrol Elite Nav Black
Absolutely love it, only had it since start of the year 15K miles when I got it, on 17K now. Drive sensibly and it’s a pleasure to drive, but can be heavy right foot and bring a smile to your face also 🏎😂
Wish it had reverse camera as standard on this model, never knew I needed the heated steering wheel but love it, great informative video as usual, keep up the good work 👍
Agreed, reversing camera is probably the thing it is missing most! I think every car should have a heated steering wheel 🙂 Thanks, glad you enjoyed the video!
Join the Astra K group on Facebook, there’s a company on there that retro fits parking cameras and sensors for £99
@@mikec3767 What is the company called and where are they based?
@@uzijn if you search intellilink mods on Facebook they’ll pop up, they don’t just do parking cameras they do other things too.
Based on blyth I believe
I have had my 2016 (66) Astra SRI Nav 1.0 turbo for 3.5 years and covered 82,600 miles. It’s been brilliant. Comfortable, fun to drive and surprisingly sprightly for the smallest engine option. So far I’ve had no just wear and tear brakes and tyres etc. Never thought I’d love it as much as I do! Will be interesting to see how many miles I get out of it.
Amazing the performance they can get from these smaller engine sizes. I think you should get a lot more miles out of it yet - it sounds to me like the petrol models are more reliable than the diesel ones
I have the 1.4 turbo nav sri auto 2016 and love the car, fast for 1.4 and 47mpg normal driving seats are cloth and comfy even on long run. tyres are noisy but will change to cut road noise, otherwise well pleased, great content keep up the good work. Lee
I've heard from a few people the cloth seats are quite comfortable, so with the new tyres you should have a really good all-round car. Thanks! :)
Surprised the tyres are noisy, what size wheels are you running? My Sri has the standard 17 inch wheels and the road noise level is OK.
@@davidellis1079 wheels are standard 17" but cheap tyres that was on when I purchased the car, didn't realise until after otherwise would have asked to change them, but I'm changing to good brand tyres very soon.
I own a 2016 tourer sports 1600 and your right about the seats they cause backache ! I now have thick foam cushion on the seat and a thinner one on the back for comfort otherwise a superb car xx
Amazing video. I currently have the 1.4 Astra GTC 2014 and I am looking for a 5 door family car and this ticks all the boxes. I think you have helped me decide to get this next
Awesome, glad to have helped. I am hoping to get a GTC on the channel at some point, I really like the look of them.
6000km on my 1.4turbo Astra Innovation got it on Christmas Day 2020...Superbly well made German car;) Super nice review keep it up...yak yak yeah:)
Nice Christmas present! German car, but built in the UK or Poland ;) Thanks!
True..👌🏼
Great video. I’m on my 2nd Astra K 1.6 Turbo Elite Nav. Covered 25k miles in my first one and currently on 36k in my current one. Superb cars, I really love them, a real wolf in sheep’s clothing. While the seats are quite hard I’ve never found them uncomfortable. Did an 8 hour drive once up to the Lake District and seats were fine for me and my passengers. Not sure I would totally agree with you on the steering, it feels a bit numb in my opinion. It doesn’t really weight up when pushing on into a corner though it does go exactly where you point it.
Definitely a Q-car/sleeper, apart from those two exhausts there's nothing to give it away. I guess we can't expect too much from a family hatchback, I think it's the accuracy of the steering that I enjoy as you're right, it doesn't really weight up in the corners - remains light and grandma friendly. Thanks for watching!
@@JJonCars does the elite have a sport button like the sri? that's supposed to firm up the steering a bit
@@mrskeltal3281 No sport button on the Elite unfortunately!
@@JJonCars Fair enough. Think I'd still have the Elite if it was me. Also I agree the hatchback looks better than the last model, but the estate is pretty ugly where as the J sports tourer is quite handsome! Yes I own a J estate :D
@@mrskeltal3281 I actually agree with you there too - the K estate is quite strange looking, especially the way the roof at the rear is styled!
Great review! I bought a 1.4T Elite Nav 2016 (black) last week which only had 22k miles on it. It's still very early days, but so far I'm very pleased with my purchase. With that said reversing is a bit annoying with the blind spots but overall it drives really well. Love the interior, it's really put together well. I haven't noticed the seat being uncomfortable, but the longest drives I've done so far was only an hour, so maybe it would be worse if I was in there longer. Great car though!
Not everyone I've heard from finds the leather seats uncomfortable - some do, some don't, so you might be alright :) It's a great car anyway, enjoy!
Good choice, excellent engine.
Hopefully you will have no issues with infotainment system double clutch or engine oil tray. Good luck
@@originalno1087 Cheers! Unfortunately the infotainment screen has started to glitch. Apparently it's an issue with 2016/17 models. It still works though and resolves after a minute or two, some days its fine. Not too worried at the moment, but it shouldn't be too difficult to replace. Other than that all good :)
@@Rovanitehate to be the bearer of bad news the unit even on ebay 2nd hand is upwards of £400 annoying as along with the new shape they changed the system and not alot about 2nd hand and they holding price. However i will keep my eye out.
Like you i like my Astranomical ride. Lol
I have the 1.4 SRI Turbo, had it 5 years now done 21000 and still drives/feels like new. no rattles/creaks and not a single problem. much better than my previous car Ford Focus
Good to hear someone with same experience as me - very good build quality for sure.
Bought a 67 plate 1.6 cdti 136 Sri tourer in February. My experience so far is it’s well screwed together, economical, handles well and is practical, although I must admit the omission of baggage hooks in the boot as standard is a bit annoying. Like yourself I’ve got a weekend motor, but that only gets used in the summer when the weather is kinder and the salt is no longer being spread
Agreed about the baggage hooks, they can't cost much to put in so it's surprising they didn't bother!
Got an Astra k 1.4 turbo in black it's a pleasure to drive. I do agree with the cabin noise I'll be changing tyres in the summer hopefully that will help.
Should definitely help!
I've averaged just over 40mpg over 10,000 miles since the end of January (2021) in my 2017 1.4T 150 SRI vx-line, great car love it. When you want to put your foot down it's great but it's also great utility wise, had 15 boxes of laminate floor in the back AND still had the power to overtake trucks.
It's definitely a good all-rounder!
15 plts I don't think so lol
My Mrs has just bought the same car in the same colour, lots of useful tips thank you
Glad to be of help :)
Great video I own 68 plate 1.4 T VX line Sri. Far too many letters! Almost three years of owning now mine was as ex demo car it's been great. Only issue is radio is poor. I'm told due to being a Nav model antenna is heated screen. I bought this as I used to drive these Astras every day in diesel variant at work and they covered 30k miles a year and hardly ever went wrong. Compared to my last VW ownership it's been great I decided to go cheaper! My VW was regularly in the garage this Astra is not the same and I highly recommended them.
Sound proofing the boot and under the bonnet makes it a sweet cruiser.......I love my 1.4T Auto..the engine is the best I have experienced in any car
Yep definitely needs some sound proofing!
Have a 1.4 turbo elite nav lovely car drives beautifully seats are a tad hard but overall brilliant car. Great review
Thanks!
I have the Vauxhall Astra Sri Turbo 1.4 - not quite as nice a spec as yours, but most of them. I really love my car! Has the sporty feel to it.
Got a 1.6 cdti,brilliant,can't fault it,fast and very frugal,don't find the seats too hard,and done a few 350 plus mile journeys in it,enjoyed your video 11.40
Thanks Ian 👍
Great Review.. I have just bought a 2017 1.4 SRI Turbo Nav.. its only got 17k on the clock and is a beautiful thing to drive.. cloth seats as im not keen on leather but looking to find some decent seat covers to.. being disabled and having a corsa before.. I can say i love Vauxhall and this Astra is so comfy and handles great xxx
nice low miles! Good call on the seats, I find the cloth ones much more comfortable :) Glad to hear you like the car!
I've had the 1.4t auto elite for just about two years and love it, had nearly every astra over the years, as you can tell by name and picture, the j was horrendous even my j vxr felt heavy and not very exciting, and a j 2.0 diesel, just too bland to look at and drive. The k is miles ahead in looks and feel, and I do find the seats comfortable. Had a six hour drive to wales last year and no issues. And agree android auto is a great feature.
Great review 👍
Very much agreed, the K is leagues ahead of the J. I once had a 1.4 non-turbo petrol J as a hire car and it was hilariously underpowered! Thanks!
Also just a shame there isn't a K VXR! That would be so good!
Great review.
I have that exact car though a 2018 model, bought second hand six months ago.
I agree with everything you have said, apart from the uncomfortable seat. I don't find it that bad, and it does have adjustable lumbar support.
My previous car was an Audi A4 2.4 sport, big and heavy. The Astra would eat for dinner in a race.
All in all, a great car. I never set out to buy an Astra, I wanted an Audi A3 sportback. But having test driven the Astra, purely out of curiosity, it won...and several thousand pounds cheaper than a comparable A3.
Thanks! :) You're not alone in the seats comfort, I think I have a 'special' back 😂
Glad you like the car though. I don't have the car anymore (it was on lease), and I do miss it. But I will hopefully be getting another one on the channel soon!
Great car, I have Astra K turbo 2016 model with over 90k kilometres still no issues, the stability on highway is excellent 👌
Oh that's good to hear that you've had no issues 👍
Cracking video pal. Agree with you about the seats JJ. All Vauxhall seats that I've sat in over the last few years have seemed uncomfortable to me. One of the reasons I ditched my Insignia was because my back couldn't handle it!
Thanks Matt! Strange they just can't seem to make a decent seat!
The newer ones carried over from PSA group are lovely though... did a 48 hour test drive in a Mokka E with the plush leather seats, did A LOT of driving in the car in the not quite 48 hours, covered about 200 miles in it (sorry Vauxhall... it had 100 miles on the clock when I picked it up!) and no issues with the seat at all!
I seem to remember when I viewed one of these at launch, one of the options was some ergonomic seats, designed by some chiropractor or something! Wonder if thats why the standard seats were uncomfortable? Great review btw. I really like these but went for a Giulietta in the end.
@@superdario2425 AGR
I have no problem with seats its just i keep hitting my head getting in and out the car.😅
I agree with everything in the video! It's a very nice car for the most part. I drive a high spec ("Innovation") Opel Astra 2018 here in Finland and there seem to be some peculiar differences in trim levels. Mine has parking camera and front and rear parking sensors, which work excelently. However, in the video you have this small, but usefull looking storage compartment under the AC controls, where I have this tiny, basically useless ledge. Other things I've found the car is weirdly lacking are also a light in the glovebox (there really physically isn't one) and sunglass holder above drivers door, where there is this ready-looking blank spot in the rooflining. My previous Chevy Cruze (basically a low spec Astra J) had both of those features. More weak points are that the dipstick is really hard to read, at least on the 1.4T and the mirrors can not be set to auto-fold, but can be folded electrically manually (whats up with that?!). My Astra also has this front emergency collition detection system and you can see the distance to the car in front of you in the dash, so it feels kind of cheaped out that I still have regular cruise control, and not one that would adjust the cars speed based on the driver on the front. Oh and I have premium cloth seats and a sensitive bum and I've yet to have any issues, so it might be that the leather seats are just a lot stiffer :)
It does seem like they were doing a lot of cost cutting! I think they were removing things that you wouldn't notice on your test drive, things that you'd only notice after owning the car for a while, and by then it's too late haha, like the lack of a sensor for low washer fluid. It took me a while to figure out even how to power-fold the mirrors, and I was very surprised you couldn't get them to fold in when you lock the car! surely this would be a simple thing for them to have included.
It seems as though it's just the leather seats that are quite hard as I've heard from several people that the cloth seats are quite comfortable :) Thanks for the great comment and thanks for watching
I went from a J to the K - and also miss the glasses holder above the drivers door!
@@Kit_Marron It's definitely a weird thing to omit, especially since the roof lining looks like there should be something there. I store my sunglasses in the pretty small elbow rest thingy, and it's not fun at all :(
@@Shaibuli I have multiple glasses, sun, yellow, polarising, distance, and they are everywhere! Quick online check indicates all on sale clip to the sun visor -which would get in the way most of the time! My 'elbow' rest has my carefully coiled android auto cable - and a collection of used face masks! Needs a rethink + maybe use something on the passenger seat pocket. Life's so hard!
I enjoyed the video. I have the 1.6 SRI version 197bhp. My car is black and when detailed up, looks beautiful. I've had compliments from passengers about the interior of my car. As for performance it gets a great reaction from any person in the passenger seat when I press sport mode and accelerate. Its fast enough to hold a head to a seat, but I find it very safe feeling. I have been looking at the possibility of stage 1 maps to the car, which can offer more performance in excess of 220bhp maybe a touch more and a decent amount more of torque. Its my favourite car I've ever owned. And affordable, compared to one of the big 4 car companies as I call them like (Audi,Bmw,Mercedes,Volkswagen) I find for a similar performance car you will pay an extra £100-£200 per month more. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a fun but safe car.
Only thing that’s held me back from remapping mine is the m32 box is rated to 320 nm and stock 1.6t is pretty much on the limit of that :/ did you get it mapped?? Be interested to know if you had any issues or not like
Nice review, nice looking car
Thanks Friendly Horse UK :)
Great long term, review we had an Astra k similar to yours but black and it’s the 1.4 turbo it was great sadly we had to sell it because the clutch kept sticking which my mother didn’t like
Thanks! That's a shame about the clutch. Interesting to hear about any issues these have as mine has been faultless
@@JJonCars ours also had a creaky door arm, passenger side, which was a bit shoddy apart form that build quality was good, I wonder if you could update ur software to the latest one
@@JJonCars the glovebox was huge of course, then again this is the only British built Vauxhall so they can choose to move the fusebox to the right and give us more space, I fear now the Astra might be built elsewhere the new generation would have a smaller one
That's an interesting point about the glovebox I'd not considered. It remains be seen whether the new ownership of Vauxhall can mean good cars - I think this model of Astra will be the last 'true Astra' as the next ones will be Peugeots underneath! It's hard to keep track now though as Stellantis now owns Peugeot 😂
@@JJonCars yes also meant to say fuse box to the right not glovebox*
Have a 2017 1.0 litre petrol turbo Elite hatch, same colour. Drives like a dream.
My front seats have full ergonomic feature, this allows for small changes to seat and lumbar regions via small elec buttons.
Only has 5 gears due to small engine and feels like you need a sixth gear on motorways.
Boot not that deep due to spare wheel, could remove and use wheel inflator kit instead to increase.
Nice one. I'd stick with the spare wheel if I had one, as the inflator kits are not good to the tyres/rims when you use them!
I have the same car ( 1.6 ctdi) Elite trim, absolutely a wonderful car ❤️✌️,
Glad you like it too :)
I remember having one of these as a company car and it was surprisingly quick! Although Vauxhall always struggle with torque steer. Lots of power but lacks refinement
The 1.2T is great. I own a Sports Tourer. Fuel economy is great and it is also comfortable. Also the AGR chairs are a great option.
Very nice videos,and a very good car....Ive got the last Opel/Gm diesel
1.5 turbo diesel ,122hp,3cylinder 300 nm torque.Engine very torqyi and economical,practically 5l per 100km diesel consumption,allaround.I have the GSline spec,and seats are soft(clothing not leather)
Thank you! It is a nice car, and a very economical diesel :)
Nice review, I had a 136ps 1.6 diesel with the auto DSG on a 66 plate for just over two years as a company car and did 86k from the 20k it started at. I consistently achieved 60+mpg with a boot full of tools. Was a design model that had been upspeced to the bigger engine and auto box and I found the seats ok and I liked it a lot., (I now have a Hyundai hybrid that’s great on fuel but has a terrible build quality) I have just bought a 1.4 150ps auto elite Nav tourer on a late 68 plate, this does have the leather seats and they are indeed noticeably hard compared to the cloth I had in the hatchback and after a lot of different company cars it the only model I have since looked to buy.
Thanks! Interesting that the Hyundai build quality feels worse. But then the Astra did feel really well put together to me. 66mpg would be pretty nice right now with those fuel prices!
Did you have any problems with the auto gearbox. I'm a new driver and debating between an astra and yaris hybrid
Great video JJ. Out of interest have you driven the 1.4t (150) or the 1.0t? The 1.6 is a bit rare and would be interested to know your thoughts on the power/performance of both
Thanks! I haven't driven the other engines, but I've heard that the 1.4T (150) is quite a good balance of performance and economy. As a petrolhead, I don't think I'd opt for anything lower than the 150, but it really depends on what you're after :) Just avoid that non-turbo 1.4 - if it's anything like the Astra J I drove with one, it was horrendously underpowered!
I have a 2017 astra 1.4 turbo and I am glad I have that extra power when I need it. The seats are firm but I never found them uncomfortable. Also as this is an Opel for the Irish roads I did get a reversing camera as an optional extra. Agree with the comment about the windscreen washing fluid giving no warning to let the driver know that it is empty.
Great video. I've got a 68 plate 1.6T SRi NAv vx-line. I got it in 2019 at 1 year old and it only had 12k on the clock. Compared to the Elite it's a lot lighter car, feels it anyway. I've done 10k in the 4 years I've had it and apart from general wear and tear items such as tyres, brakes etc, not had to spend any money on it, 100% reliable. It's a proper sleeper, 3rd gear pulls like a train!
I suspect that the 1.6T is the most reliable Astra. Some of the smaller engines are a bit more stressed, and diesel engines tend to have their own issues regardless of manufacturer. I do miss the performance of that car!
Love the acceleration at 12:45 :-)
😁
Great review ive recently purchased a 2016 sri 1.4 .
From having previously had a 1.9 mitsubishi lancer gs2 to a mitsubishi lancer turbo gs3 both cars i loved , insurance reasons i couldn't afford this year went up triple...so part ex for the sri 2months in, love the car smaller than i thought it would be on look roomy enough inside and boot love the boot space...fuel great handles well seats are nice and stiff not sure if in the same realm as yours but having had spinal surgery a few years ago i love my seats as b4 i had to stiffen them up ....I can drive a few hours now b4 i need a stretch break b4 that 40 mins i was in agony...
Nice one. I like those older Lancers, you just don't see them around. I had the previous version from 2005 and it was a really solid reliable car. If a little bland (although it did kind of look like an Evo if you squinted). Glad you like the Astra, they're nice cars for the money 👍
You've sold me, been procrastinating about a J VXR or a K 1.6 Turbo Elite. Family & fun car it is.
A shame there's no K VXR!
Good choice. Much easier to get in and out of for one thing; the long doors on the J VXR / GTC variants are problematic if you are parked next to another car.
Thanks for a great review. You get to hear so much negative critic about Vauxhall/Opel its nice to hear someone who thinks they are a good buy. I live in Sweden and am looking to buy a Astra tourer k 1.6 turbo. I noticed that you can get them here with so called sport seats that are supposed to be ergonomically designed for comfort. They ought to be a better choice than the regular ones.
Oh nice, the 1.6T Tourer would be a nice fast and practical car. I'd like the try the ergonomic seats out. Just seems like the leather ones are the uncomfortable ones (for me at least)
Hopefully there will be a review soon(ish) of the sports tourer on this very channel :)
@@JJonCars Look forward to it. I'm considering an automatic as they seem to have chosen a traditional 6 speed torque converter transmission.
Love my 17 plate 1.4t elite. Funny you mentioned about the seats, I do find them comfy but not so much for longer journeys. They should have used softer leather, at least it should be hard wearing.
Yeah, they're definitely not too bad for short journeys :) good point, they should at least be hard wearing - the leather does seem good quality
Great video, I have had a 68 plate Astra 1.4 Sri 150 for 2 weeks & agree with your comments in the video, I love the car so far, quick, economical, I would have gone for the Elite model, but i'm very suspicious of the electric handbrake.
Thanks! Glad you like the car. I agree on the handbrake, I'd rather have the old-school lever, but hard to come by these days!
Astra K elite nav turbo auto 1.4 petrol. Agree with everything you say. 35/37 mpg with the auto and suburban driving. I love the firm seats! Driving 8-10 hours from London to Dijon not a problem - maybe you need to spend time adjusting the seat rake and support etc? On😁 a flat stretch of empty autoroute in France I floored the throttle at 83mph. Whoosh - away it went dropping down a cog or two. I took my foot off at an indicated speed of 106mph. The car felt just fine but it was enough for me with a bit to spare I'm sure!
Just got 1 loving it might remap it to
Got astra 1.4 sat nav turbo love the 6 gears
Watching 2024, I’ve had sri 1.4 turbo 2016 from new, only done 12500 still a great car to drive.
Nice video.
I bought my Astra K 1.4T SRI 2 years ago on a whim because I urgently needed something with a bit of power and it was cheaper than a similar Audi/Seat/VW.
Must say I'm very surprised how good this car is. Never used to rate vauxhall but I might get the insignia next
Thank you! Yes I think these cars (and the Insignia) surprise anyone who drives them - most have low expectations when really they are decent cars. I've just done a video with the Insignia and I think it's a great car too
I have an Astra G 2002. It is very reliable. I usually describe it as immortal. I have a plan to upgrade my car to the one driven in this video. I love Astra :))
I like the Astra G! It was the newest Astra around the time I was learning to drive, so I have a soft spot for it, along with the Mk1 Focus and Mk4 Golf. I'll get one on the channel one day for sure!